The definition of loyal is faithful allegiance. So, what does that mean in relationship? Knowing you have loyalty in a relationship is knowing that your partner always has your back, and that you can count on them through thick and thin. This provides stability and a strong foundation that’s imperative for any relationship to go the distance. A great example in how this shows up in a relationship is when after a hectic day at work, your partner provides a sounding board to vent your feelings and emotions from the roller coaster you experienced. This not only enhances interpersonal communication, but provides another crucial layer of vulnerability in your relationship. Some foundational characteristics of loyalty are respect, communication, affection, intimacy, vulnerability, and compassion. Loyalty is being dedicated to not only your partner, but to the relationship and each other. To know that you are fully committed to one another, and to realize how any individual decision must be considered in how it impacts your partner and your relationship. In my relationship, this shows up by
not just the ‘big things’ we do for each other every now and again, but in the ‘little things’ we do for each other on a daily basis that adds to our emotional Love Bank Account. One idea for filling the emotional bank account is to create a jar of things you love about your partner. You can give this to them as a gift and have them draw one item out each day, so they are reminded of why you love them. Reading it out loud will remind you as well. Loyalty is a beautiful alchemy of respect and reliability. It’s the maturity in knowing that all relationships have their ebb and flows, the good and not so good times. Are you going to just throw in the towel when things get rough? Or do you roll up your sleeves and figure out how to improve your relationship and truly be there for your partner? The key in reliability is knowing unequivocally that you can always count on having each other’s backs no matter what. Loyalty is making your partner your best friend. You are 100% committed to them and on their side. You may not always agree, but you don’t hold each other's hostage by making the other person wrong. This is the person you want to spend most of your time with. While it’s okay to have separate hobbies and interest, your partner is the first person you want to call when you have good news. They are also the first person you want to call when you need help. Loyalty is the desire to see your partner and your relationship succeed. Everything you do, everything you say, and all that you are is invested in your relationship with your partner. You’re determined to be a successful couple living your fairy tale love story together. You are your partner’s staunchest advocate and your desire is for them to be the best version of themselves in order to push you to be your very best that ultimately makes you the happiest couple you know!
The Keys to Loyalty in a Relationship
Being Authentic to Yourself and Your Partner
In the beginning of a relationship, if you try to be who your partner wants you to be, they may later feel like there was bait and switch. My marriage ended in divorce after 13 years. For many of those years, I felt betrayed by my ex who showed up initially in the relationship to woo and court me. After we were married, those romantic gestures became fewer and farther between. In the end, I felt deceived, as the man I thought I married, was actually very different than the man he was at his core. So be sure to be true to yourself and your partner.
Being Monogamous
In romantic relationships, the first thing that comes to mind is fidelity. If you and your partner are loyal in your relationship, you will be monogamous. Sometimes disloyalty comes in the form of an emotional affair which is just as dangerous. Having an emotional bond or connection with someone else is a form of being unfaithful. How do you know if it’s a relationship to avoid? Some signs are if you have a physical attraction to your friend, whenyou share intimate thoughts or details about your romantic partnership with them. Other signs include If your mate is unaware of your relationship; and if you behave differently around your friend if your mate were present. These are all warning signs that you are involved in an emotional affair or are on the slippery slope of one.
Never Having to Hide Anything From Your Partner
Standing by your partner in both good and bad times even when you may not agree with their actions. It’s standing by them and supporting them even when the going gets tough.
How to Build Loyalty in Your Relationship
While we have gone over some of the common ways to show loyalty in relationship, people are different and have different beliefs and values. Before you can build trust and loyalty, you need to understand what it means to your partner and be on the same page to build a long-lasting relationship.
1. Keep Promises and Secrets
Be sure to keep your promises and don’t keep secrets from one another.
2. Leave Your Judgement out of It
Be sure to respect each other and your differences without judgement. Although you may not understand why certain things are important to your partner, what is important is that it matters to your partner. Communicate, communicate, communicate:
How to Improve Communication in Relationships and Increase Intimacy
3. Don't Be Afraid to Be Vulnerable
Honesty and vulnerability are keys to building loyalty and trust in relationship. In fact, there're plenty of benefits for being vulnerable:
Accept Yourself (Flaws and All): 7 Benefits of Being Vulnerable When you live your truth, your partner will be more comfortable living theirs.
4. Be Forgiving
Forgiveness is essential in building and maintaining loyalty. We all make mistakes, and being quick to forgive is important. Don’t hold grudges about past transgressions as this will only erode the relationship. Letting go of the hurt, accepting the apology, and moving on builds a trust based on truth and love. Knowing that we are human, that we make mistakes and our partner will accept us as we are is key to building trust and loyalty.
5. Be Committed to Working on Yourself
Personal growth and development not only make you a better person, but significantly improve your relationship. It’s important to grow as individuals and to grow together as a couple. Like they say on the airplanes, place your own oxygen mask on first before helping those around you. If we’re not taking care of ourselves, we certainly can’t be there fully and completely for our partner. This ultimately creates a deeper bond and significantly adds to the Love Bank Account. Always remember, you’re either ripe and rotting or green and growing. Here're some tips to help you:
30 Ways To Practice Self-Love And Be Good To Yourself
Final Thoughts
The importance of loyalty and continuing to build upon it are crucial in allowing a relationship to not just survive, but to ultimately thrive. We all desire the safety and security of a loyal relationship that brings out our best qualities individually as well as those as a couple. It's this warmth, comfort and deep knowing that our bond and commitment can survive any adversity that comes our way.
More Tips to Enhance Your Relationship
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